About storytelling in Michigan or including Michigan storytellers. This includes links to find local Michigan, regional, & national storytelling organizations. Other issues of interest to lovers of storytelling in Michigan also are found here. Be sure to visit the Bulletin Board page for the latest information.
An important part of this website is the regular posting & archiving of issues of the email newsletter, "MI Story."

Check out November TELLABRATION! Events – Guilds and
storytelling enthusiasts all around the globe will share their
storytelling talents to celebrate the art of storytelling. In Michigan,
TELLABRATION!™ brings together our most celebrated storytellers, to
delight, captivate, and mesmerize audiences with their tales. See MI
Story in October and November for updates.

November 4, Mt Pleasant 6:45-8:00 p.m.Mid-Michigan Area Storytellers (MAST): Welcomes new members to
their monthly meeting, at the Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant.
301 South University Avenue. Info: Joe Remenar jremenar66@yahoo.com

November 5 , Detroit 4:30 p.m. doors open/7:00 p.m. stories begin
The monthly Moth Story Slam located at the bar Cliff Bell’s 2030 Park
Avenue, Detroit thanks to WDET 101.9. Prepare a 5 minute story on the
theme, toss your name in the hat, and if your name is pulled, step up
and tell your true personal story live without notes. Volunteers from
the audience judge the stories. Note: adults only. Info: www.theMoth.org Language and topics are often unsuitable for children. Tickets $5 at the door. This month’s theme is: “Payback.”

November 11, Muskegon 7:00-9:00 p.m.Muskegon Yarnspinners: welcome new members at their monthly
meetings from October through May at the Hope Reformed Church, 1878
Evanston, (Corner of Quarterline and Evanston). Monthly meetings
continue from June through September at members' homes. Contact Ned
Carter, 231-755-2383 or email him at carteredwin93@yahoo.com

November 13, Livonia 7:00 p.m.
Join the Detroit Story League as they celebrate 103 years of 'Service
Through Storytelling' with Tellabration! a Night of Storytelling for
Adults. 6:00 p.m. Silent Auction, 7:00 p.m. storytelling followed by
refreshments; featuring Gwendolyn Lewis, Alma Petrini, Judy Sima and
Elizabeth Najduch as Maestro. Admission is $5 at the door. Livonia
Civic Center Public Library Auditorium, 32777 Five Mile Rd. Directions
to Library 734-466-2491 or for more information call 248-476-8515 or
email Judy@JudySima.comwww.detroitstorytelling.org

November 13, Muskegon 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Please join the Muskegon Yarnspinners for their 5th annual Tellabration!
- A celebration of storytelling for audiences 12 years old thru adult.
These stories will entertain you, humor you, and stay with you long
after the evening is over.
Muskegon Museum of Art, 96 W. Webster Avenue. Cost: $5.00 per person ( $15.00 for families) Contact:
Ned@ 231-755-2383 carteredwin93@yahoo.com. www.yarnspinnersmuskegon.blogspot.com

November 15, Skokie, IL 1:20-3:00 p.m.
Michigan’s own, Judy Sima shares “My Mother’s Voice,” the compelling
story of her Mother’s encounter with the Gestapo on Kristallnacht or the
Night of Broken Glass, her escape from Germany during World War II and
adjustment to her new life in America. Using intriguing “Conversation
Starters,” Judy helps you bring treasured memories of your family back
to life. Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Drive. Information:
Amanda Friedman 847-967-4884.

November 17, Grand Rapids 7:00-9:00 p.m.StorySpinners of GrandRapids welcomes new members to their monthly meeting in members’ homes call Gloria Cangelosi for more information storyspinnersgr@gmail.com

November 17, Ann Arbor 6:00 p.m. doors open/7:30 p.m. stories begin
Doors open at 6:00 for the monthly Moth Story Slam located at Circus
Bar, 210 S. First Avenue, thanks to Michigan Public Radio. Prepare a 5
minute story on the theme, toss your name in the hat, and if your name
is pulled, step up and tell your true personal story live without
notes. Volunteers from the audience judge the stories. Info: www.theMoth.org Note: adults only. Language and topics are often unsuitable for children. Tickets $8 at the door. This month’s theme “Gifted”

November 20, Mount Pleasant 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Come join Mid-Michigan Area Story Tellers for our 20th year of
Tellebrations! New venue this year. 319 S. University Ave. Unitarian
Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan auditorium . Admission $5.
For more details, click our events tab. Make plans with your family and
friends to attend. It's going to be a fun night of storytelling! Visit
us on Facebook. For further information, contact Carol Garner,
989-506-8829, or sdcagarner@yahoo.com.Michiganstorytellers.com

November 20, Tecumseh 7:30 p.m.
Corinne Stavish will tell stories and host the 2nd Annual Tecumseh
Tellabration! at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N Maumee St.
(517) 423-6617​. All are welcome to share a 5-minute story. Admission is
$5. Contact Shelley Lim, slim@tecumseh.mi.us

November 28, Detroit 10:00 am-12:00 p.m.Detroit Association of Black Storytellers invites you to attend
their monthly meeting at the Charles Wright Museum of African American
History, 315 E Warren Ave. Join us for a story, workshop, refreshments
and business meeting. www.detroitassociationofblackstorytellers.com or call Pam Williams: 248-836-7499. New members welcome.

DECEMBER

December 2, Mt Pleasant 6:45-8:00 p.m.Mid-Michigan Area Storytellers (MAST): Welcomes new members to
their monthly meeting, at the Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant.
301 South University Avenue. Info: Joe Remenar jremenar66@yahoo.com

December 3, Detroit 4:30 p.m. doors open/7:00 p.m. stories begin
The monthly Moth Story Slam located at the bar Cliff Bell’s 2030 Park
Avenue, Detroit thanks to WDET 101.9. Prepare a 5 minute story on the
theme, toss your name in the hat, and if your name is pulled, step up
and tell your true personal story live without notes. Volunteers from
the audience judge the stories. Note: adults only. Info: www.theMoth.org Language and topics are often unsuitable for children. Tickets $5 at the door. This month’s theme is: “Excuses.”

December 4-5, Grosse Pointe Shores 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House - Winter Wonderland Weekends. Bundle up
the family for some outdoor fun because Ford House will be putting a
little sparkle around your steps this holiday season! Enjoy Storytelling
by Karen Czarnik, twinkling lights & holiday music while you stroll
around the grounds. For more info go to www.fordhouse.org/events/ 1100 Lake Shore Road.

December 5, Detroit 5:15-7:15 p.m.
Bob and Audrey: “The Storytellers” will be featured at Noel Night. Detroit Public Library, Main Branch. 5201 Woodward

December 9, Muskegon 7:00-9:00 p.m.Muskegon Yarnspinners: welcome new members at their monthly
meetings from October through May at the Hope Reformed Church, 1878
Evanston, (Corner of Quarterline and Evanston). Monthly meetings
continue from June through September at members' homes. Contact Ned
Carter, 231-755-2383 or email him at carteredwin93@yahoo.com

December 10, Ann Arbor 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Come and lend an ear to the old tales and new ones too at an evening of
stories for grownups. At Crazy Wisdom Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. Enjoy
yummy desserts, exotic teas, or light supper while listening to Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild members. Info: www.facebook.com/annarborstorytellers

December 11-12, Grosse Pointe Shores 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House - Winter Wonderland Weekends. Bundle up
the family for some outdoor fun because Ford House will be putting a
little sparkle around your steps this holiday season! Enjoy Storytelling
by Karen Czarnik, twinkling lights & holiday music while you stroll
around the grounds. For more info go to www.fordhouse.org/events/ 1100 Lake Shore Road.

December 13, Grand Rapids 7:00-9:00 p.m.StorySpinners of GrandRapids welcomes new members to their monthly meeting in members’ homes call Gloria Cangelosi for more information storyspinnersgr@gmail.com

December 15, Ann Arbor 6:00 p.m. doors open/7:30 p.m. stories begin
Doors open at 6:00 for the monthly Moth Story Slam located at Circus
Bar, 210 S. First Avenue, thanks to Michigan Public Radio. Prepare a 5
minute story on the theme, toss your name in the hat, and if your name
is pulled, step up and tell your true personal story live without
notes. Volunteers from the audience judge the stories. Info: www.theMoth.org Note: adults only. Language and topics are often unsuitable for children. Tickets $8 at the door. This month’s theme “Joy”

December 18-19, 26 Grosse Pointe Shores 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House - Winter Wonderland Weekends. Bundle up
the family for some outdoor fun because Ford House will be putting a
little sparkle around your steps this holiday season! Enjoy Storytelling
by Karen Czarnik, twinkling lights & holiday music while you stroll
around the grounds. For more info go to www.fordhouse.org/events/ 1100 Lake Shore Road.

December 26, Grosse Pointe Shores 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House - Winter Wonderland Weekends. Bundle up
the family for some outdoor fun because Ford House will be putting a
little sparkle around your steps this holiday season! Enjoy Storytelling
by Karen Czarnik, twinkling lights & holiday music while you stroll
around the grounds. For more info go to www.fordhouse.org/events/ 1100 Lake Shore Road.

January 6, Mt Pleasant 6:45-8:00 p.m.Mid-Michigan Area Storytellers (MAST): Welcomes new members to
their monthly meeting, at the Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant.
301 South University Avenue. Info: Joe Remenar jremenar66@yahoo.com

January 7, Detroit 4:30 p.m. doors open/7:00 p.m. stories begin
The monthly Moth Story Slam located at the bar Cliff Bell’s 2030 Park
Avenue, Detroit thanks to WDET 101.9. Prepare a 5 minute story on the
theme, toss your name in the hat, and if your name is pulled, step up
and tell your true personal story live without notes. Volunteers from
the audience judge the stories. Note: adults only. Info: www.theMoth.org Language and topics are often unsuitable for children. Tickets $5 at the door.

January 13, Muskegon 7:00-9:00 p.m.Muskegon Yarnspinners: welcome new members at their monthly
meetings from October through May at the Hope Reformed Church, 1878
Evanston, (Corner of Quarterline and Evanston). Monthly meetings
continue from June through September at members' homes. Contact Ned
Carter, 231-755-2383 or email him at carteredwin93@yahoo.com

January 14, Ann Arbor 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Come and lend an ear to the old tales and new ones too at an evening of
stories for grownups. At Crazy Wisdom Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. Enjoy
yummy desserts, exotic teas, or light supper while listening to Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild members. Info: www.facebook.com/annarborstorytellers

January 19, Grand Rapids 7:00-9:00 p.m.StorySpinners of GrandRapids welcomes new members to their monthly meeting in members’ homes call Gloria Cangelosi for more information storyspinnersgr@gmail.com

January 19, Ann Arbor 6:00 p.m. doors open/7:30 p.m. stories begin
Doors open at 6:00 for the monthly Moth Story Slam located at Circus
Bar, 210 S. First Avenue, thanks to Michigan Public Radio. Prepare a 5
minute story on the theme, toss your name in the hat, and if your name
is pulled, step up and tell your true personal story live without
notes. Volunteers from the audience judge the stories. Info: www.theMoth.org Note: adults only. Language and topics are often unsuitable for children. Tickets $8 at the door. This month’s theme

January 23, Detroit 10:00 am-12:00 p.m.Detroit Association of Black Storytellers invites you to attend
their monthly meeting at the Charles Wright Museum of African American
History, 315 E Warren Ave. Join us for a story, workshop, refreshments
and business meeting. www.detroitassociationofblackstorytellers.com or call Pam Williams: 248-836-7499. New members welcome.

WELCOME!

Here you will find information about storytelling in Michigan or including Michigan storytellers. This includes links to find local Michigan storytelling, national, & regional organizations. Other issues of interest to lovers of storytelling in Michigan also are found here. Be sure to visit theBulletin Board page for the latest information.

An important part of this website is the regular posting & archiving of issues of MI Story. MI Story is published by: Yvonne Healy, Editor-in-Chief; Judy Sima, Distribution Editor; Lois Sprengnether Keel, Webmaster.

To view the current issue or a past issue of MI Story, click on the Recent Posts of interest.

51% or greater Spoken Word/Narrative;

open to the General Public;

feature either Michigan storyteller or Michigan location.

Search This Site

Transition of MI Story Archive

This site has moved to Blogger while keeping the domain name of http://www.michiganstorytelling.org . Because all issues prior to this move were added at one time, the listing of the first two years' issues is misleading. To find each individual month for those initial two years, look under April, 2010.

About Me

For the best overview of my work, go to my website at http://www.LoiS-sez.com, however you will find me in many places beyond that!

My storytelling takes you Around the World & Back Through Time with folktales to match your topic or historical reenactments. While most of my storytelling has been in Michigan, I've told in other states, the territory of Puerto Rico, plus Canada, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, & St. Kitts. My Theatre undergraduate degree influences my storytelling & graduate degree in Library Science leads me to research widely. Starting in 1970, I've years of storytelling experience. Until 2006, this was combined with librarianship. That year I was accepted into the MI performing arts touring directory & left Mount Clemens Public Library (where I was in charge of Children's Services) for full-time storytelling. My current listing with MI Arts & Humanities Directory was renewed & runs through 2018. My passion for supporting storytelling includes storytelling organizations, hosting http://MichiganStorytelling.org & founded Mt.C. Raconteurs & North Oakland County Storytellers, serving their 1st 2 yrs. as president. I was also a long-time active member of Flint Area Story Tellers. FAST and the Raconteurs are currently dormant. I also love to teach storytelling. I believe exposure to storytelling is critical to the acceptance of this art & foundational to language skills. Online I am an assistant administrator for the international network of storytellers at http://professionalstoryteller.ning.com. I'm the National Storytelling Network's Michigan State Liaison and for many years was on the Board of Youth, Educators, Storytellers (Y.E.S.!) Alliance as their webmaster. I also am a certified WordWeaving instructor, a teaching method especially suited to teachers & librarians, but useful for any beginning storytellers. I've training from V.S.A. Arts & have done both residency & special event work for this organization focused on bringing the arts to the disabled. I wrote a portion of the book, Tell the World; Storytelling Across Language Barriers, compiled & edited by Margaret Read MacDonald. My chapter was about telling with Sign Language.

Besides my website there's my blog of research topics related to my work at Storytelling + Research = LoiS and now includes a Civil War Sesquicentennial blog, Michigan's "Fighting Fifth" Infantry, where I posted the newspaper articles about this regiment which has been little documented, but was part of the reason Abraham Lincoln said "Thank God for Michigan!" as they engaged in most major battles of the Civil War. I hope you visit both the blog and my website, http://www.LoiS-sez.com.